In hindsight, the Michigan quarterback says he had “mixed emotions” about U-M’s offseason change from offensive coordinator Al Borges to Doug Nussmeier, the program's third offensive coordinator over his four years in Ann Arbor.

At the time, back in January, after the Wolverines’ 7-6 season clunked to an end, Gardner was eyeing a final year at Michigan with a coach he knew nothing about.

“It was like, ‘Oh well, I guess I’ve got to learn a new offense,’” Gardner said earlier this week at Big Ten football media day in Chicago. “But then you see who it is, and his credentials and things like that, it’s hard to not get excited with the success he’s had. It seemed like it could only help.”

It also helps that upon arriving at Michigan in January, Nussmeier, according to Gardner, told him, “He’s going to cater the offense to my strengths and that I better be able to perform.”

If anything, that paints a clearer picture of any perceived quarterback battle between Gardner and sophomore Shane Morris.

Gardner performed last season by completing 208-of-345 passes for 2,960 yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing 165 times for 483 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He did, however, struggle mightily at times. He battled inconsistent throws and a papier-mâché offensive line. He threw three interceptions against Akron. He gave away two interceptions and a fumble against Connecticut. He completed only 14-of-27 passes for 210 yards and no touchdowns at Michigan State.

Other times -- nearly 400 total yards and five touchdowns against Notre Dame, 503 passing yards against Indiana, 450 passing yards and four touchdowns against Ohio State -- he was spectacular.

If Michigan is to compete in the Big Ten East Division, it will need far more of the latter.

Devin Gardner smiles as he stands on crutches next to teammate Devin Funchess during a press conference announcing the hiring of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier on Jan. 10, 2014. Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News

That’s where Nussmeier comes in. Coming off stints as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Washington and Fresno State, the 43-year-old is expected to revamp a unit at Michigan that in 2013 mirrored Gardner -- painfully erratic.

Seven months after Nussmeier’s arrival, Gardner says the relationship between he and the former NFL quarterback (New Orleans Saints,1994-97; Indianapolis Colts, 1998), “has developed a great deal.”

“He’s so hard on me, which I like,” Gardner said. “I like to be challenged and he’s challenged me in so many different ways.”

One of those challenges is the freedom to change offensive line protection schemes. One offseason emphasis from Nussmeier has been to call plays quickly, allowing the offense to break the huddle and get to the line of scrimmage with plenty of available time.

With that time, Nussmeier wants Gardner to evaluate the opposing defense and assure that the offensive line is correctly assigned.

“He’s given me the opportunity to protect myself before the play starts,” Gardner said. “If I see something the offensive line might not see, I can make the change to make sure I’m protected.”

Was that an option a year ago?

“Not as much, no.”

Michigan allowed 36 opponent sacks last season, an average of 2.77 per game.

While spending the last two years with Alabama's A.J. McCarron, Nussmeier oversaw a quarterback who led the nation in passing efficiency in 2012 and ranked eighth in 2013. In those two years, McCarron passed for 5,996 yards, 58 touchdowns (10 interceptions) and completed over 67 percent of his passes.

Gardner has studied film of Nussmeier’s time at Alabama, but McCarron was a pocket passer. Gardner’s skill set utilizes a powerful arm coupled with speed and mobility. Those assets, he says, will still be on display in Michigan’s new offense.

“(Nussmeier) has coached a lot of quarterbacks, so he’s had mobile guys,” Gardner said. “He’s had (Washington's) Keith Price and guys like that. He’s a great offensive coordinator. He’s going to use the personnel any way he can. That’s what he expressed to me.”

Overall, Gardner said the offense is fitting in well with Nussmeier and vice-versa. Practices are up-tempo. Pace of play is being preached.

Perhaps most importantly, though, a relationship is being formed.

“I’ve got a pretty good relationship with coach Nuss,” Gardner said. “He’s a good guy. He’s really a players’ coach. I think he’s the definition of a players’ coach. Like, if there is players’ coach in the dictionary, there’s a picture of him next to it.”

Brendan F. Quinn covers University of Michigan basketball and football. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on Wolverines hoops. He can be contacted at bquinn@mlive.com